FROM humble beginnings across several sites to an old weatherboard house, and now to the modern facility that stands proudly on High St, the Mansfield Adult Community Education (MACE) centre is celebrating 50 years of serving the community.
To mark this important milestone, MACE organised a special event last Thursday to thank those who have been part of the journey, and those who continue the legacy today.
Providing a potted history of that journey was MACE president Janene Ridley, prompting many memories for those who had gathered.
In 1975, Dianna Pappas and 12 others had a vision for a community space to run various activities and workshops that would benefit Mansfield residents.
According to Ms Ridley, the founders of MACE wanted to address the lack of stimulation and opportunities in Mansfield, especially for women.
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There was a variety of classes, which included public speaking, yoga, crochet and even bricklaying.
“Initially, activities were voluntary and held in local venues like schools and school halls,” said Ms Ridley.
The significant support from the Council of Adult Education (CAE) was also noted.
The first major initiative was a summer holiday program for children, which ran for 14 years.
The 1980s began a period of growth and development for MACE, with a permanent move to 145 High St in 1982, which was funded by TAFE.
This allowed the centre to spread its wings even wider with exhibitions, environmental projects, and community arts initiatives.
Artists in residence programs were created, and innovative events like the play Hanrahan Be Dammed not only showcased local talent but addressed community concerns, Ms Ridley said.
The 1990s saw a shift in focus to vocational training, business management, and environmental awareness.
“Programs like Farmsmart, Project Mansfield, and NOMAD (Network of Mansfield & District Women) flourished,” she said.
As a registered provider for DEET, MACE was able to offer courses in viticulture, olive production and organic farming.
The environmental theme continued with tree planting, conservation seminars, and publications such as The Understorey Story.
Enter the 2000s, when challenges arose and the need to adapt.
This included offering accredited vocational courses, computer training, and programs such as the Community Shed scheme, Ms Ridley said.
It was a time of expansion of existing facilities and acquisition of new ones to accommodate new programs.
MACE continued its support of local groups including U3A (University of the Third Age), the Arts Council, and HOPE.
A major undertaking in 2006 was when MACE took over the management of Cubby House.
“It has grown to become the major component of MACE’s business over the years – 80 per cent of MACE’s business is now in not-for-profit childcare, which provides and supports early learning opportunities to give the next generation their best start in life,” said Ms Ridley.
Another significant change 10 years ago was a move away from accredited training, which had become “burdensome with increased regulation and compliance”.
“MACE made the sensible decision to exit accredited training and restructured its business to focus on pre-accredited training, Learn Local opportunities, Neighbourhood House activities, and fee-for-service courses,” the president explained.
The new Community Shed facilities at the rear of the main building allow MACE to oversee multiple groups who use them, including the line dancers who put on a display for guests.
The contribution of key figures was important to the future direction of MACE.
Among them, leaders like Diana Pappas, Mac Booth, Marieke Brugman and Liz Bannister all played pivotal roles, and were awarded life memberships along with Jim Basham and Col Gibson.
It was appropriate during National Volunteer Week to note the ongoing input of volunteers to sustain programs.
“Today MACE has a dedicated and professional board overseeing governance, with our CEO Kylie Richards leading a dynamic team right across the organisational spectrum,” Ms Ridley said.
Guests were invited to toast the 50-year legacy of MACE, now regarded as a cornerstone of the Mansfield community, and maintaining the importance of social connections.
Following the formalities, there was an opportunity to look at the various records and photos on display, which traced the MACE journey over so many years.
It was also a perfect time to reflect with others who had shared in the legacy.
